Spy stories aren’t usually my thing, but a middle-aged, single-mum spy? In 1960s London? With humour and sass and secrets? Yes, I’m sold!
Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for my review copy. Opinions are entirely my own.
Maggie Flynn isn’t your regular spy – she’s a 45-year old mum to a sassy teenage daughter (so far, so relatable!). She’s also taken on a role with MI5 as one of their Watchers, the lowest rung of espionage, as she is tasked with following suspicious characters as she sports a range of disguises (although being a middle-aged/older woman renders her practically invisible….of course). She’s working to support her mother and daughter, the latter of whom has expensive requirements for concert tickets (the Beatles in Maggie’s case, Sabrina Carpenter in mine…still pretty relatable). When Maggie meets a captive Russian agent, she starts to uncover the secrets of her dead husband’s spying career – and even bigger secrets that put her in extreme danger.
I really enjoyed this peek into 1960s London – there’s lots of historical and cultural references, even though Maggie sometimes has curiously modern sensibilities. I also loved that the pace was fast – the later stages of the novel in particular are exciting as Maggie races through London to do what’s right. And Maggie herself is a joy – she’s tough, brave and wonderfully funny.
Overall, this is a fun and lively novel and one I’d recommend – you’ll love Maggie, be caught up in her chaotic life and absolutely root for her to triumph. The only thing I don’t love is the title of the book – it sounds far too cutesy and cosy for such a strong character!
Photo by Jan Kahánek on Unsplash
